THE EFFECT OF DIETARY γ-TOCOPHEROL ON SERUM TOCOPHEROLS IN FORMULA-FED INFANTS

Abstract

The levels of .alpha.-, .beta.- and .gamma.-tocopherol were determined in 2 formulas (Nutramigen and Soja-semp) and in 20 infants fed either of these formulas. The .gamma.-tocopherol concentration in Nutramigen was 22.8 .+-. 1.9 .mu.mol/l and that in Soja-semp, 3.7 .+-. 0.5 .mu.mol/l. This difference was reflected in the serum tocopherols of the infants, since in the 10 infants fed Nutramigen, .gamma.-tocopherol accounted for 16.7 .+-. 7.9 of the total tocopherols compared to 4.2 .+-. 1.8% in the 10 infants fed Soja-semp. .gamma.-Tocopherol accumulates in the serum of infants fed large amounts. The serum .gamma.-tocopherol level should be taken into account when estimating the vitamin E status in humans, especially when the intake of .gamma.-tocopherol is high.